Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a chemical substance contained in many dietary supplements. Found naturally in the body, it is nevertheless often is distributed by many pharmacological centers as a salt, including Glucosamine HCI, Glucosamine sulfate potassium, and Glucosamine sulfate sodium. Glucosamine is the main substance responsible for the stimulation, formation, and repair of ariticular cartilage. For this reason, the substance is marketed as a nutritional supplement used to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine and Arthritis

Numerous double-blind studies were conducted on the uses of Glucosamine. Using placebo as the controlling factor, scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine have found that Glucosamine sulfate exhibits positive effects on the rehabilitation of cartilage and reduction of the progression of osteoarthritis. Also, it was discovered that not only can it retard the development of arthritis but that it could also significantly lessen the pain that comes with the ailment.

According to documentations made on several studies, Glucosamine is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. About 26% of the amount of this substance we take in is absorbed by the body and incorporated into plasma proteins. Some prospective studies show that the substance exhibits properties that are equal to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory properties, making it a safe intramuscular anti-inflammatory supplemental treatment in osteoarthritis of the knee.

Other Studies

Glucosamine works primarily to stimulate joint function and repair. It is most effective in battling osteoarthritis. However, other studies have shown that Glucosamine may also be used to treat symptoms of other ailments as well. A 1982 open trial study conducted in Portugal provided good information on how the substance can affect obese patients.  252 doctors used 1, 506 patients and gave them 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate three times a day. After 50 days, the results showed that 95% of the patients benefited from the supplement. The pain they experienced whether they were resting, standing, or exercising were significantly reduced.

What you need to know before you buy

Before going off to the nearest drugstore and buying yourself a glucosamine supplement, you need to be armed first with the appropriate information to prevent any mistakes. When your pain relief and health is at stake, you need to learn how to choose between competing products and see beyond the marketing hype. During the decision process, there are five factors that you need to consider. These include the amount of glucosamine per daily dose, quality of ingredients, delivery system, synergistic ingredients, and price per day.

One of the most important of these factors is the system of delivery. From 1999 to 2001, a lot of the major companies supplied the market with glucosamine in pill or capsule form. It should be noted however that vitamins and supplements are absorbed better if they are in liquid form. Plus, liquid glucosamine are much more effective as a liquid than as a solid. In vitamin supplementation, absorption is a must. You simply cannot take in as many glucosamine as you want without absorbing them. That just defeats the whole purpose of providing relief for your pain.

Quality is also another issue. It is a well-known fact that the higher the quality of a product, the better its effects is going to be. The same goes for glucosamine. Many companies use medium grade glucosamine so be careful in choosing your product. If you want the fastest, fullest healing and relief, look for the highest quality supplement.